Get our easy step-by-step instructions for how to build a raised bed for vegetables and other crops in your garden.
Raised beds are a convenient way to make the most out of your garden. With good drainage, protection from weeds and many pests, plus well-aerated soil perfectly blended to encourage growth, raised beds are a great choice for those with limited space, soil or sunlight restrictions or just an appreciation for higher yields from less effort. Raised beds come in a variety of sizes and styles, but can be pricey. For those interested in raised bed gardening without the expense, this DIY project is easy to build in an afternoon (even for beginners) for a fraction of the cost of store-bought kits.
Steps for Making a Raised Bed
1. Get the boards you need, make sure you don’t get treated wood. Many people use the standard 2 x 6 boards placed on top of each other making the height of the bed approximately 11”. If you are growing plants that need some root depth, the plants should have a total of about 20” of soil when you add in an additionally 12” below the bed. Beds are most often 3 to 5 feet across for good access.
2. Depending on what type of vegetables you are planting, you may want to dig the ground that will be under your raised bed (about 2 ft down) in order that the plants with deep roots can reach the nutrients below the level of the ground. This is also a good idea because you can see what your soil looks like and if there are rocks or roots that may be a problem.
3. You may want to line the bed with chicken wire to keep burrowing animals like moles out.
4. Put your raised bed together and add the soil and compost, filling the area within inches to the top, make sure it’s organic!
Some things to check before you start planting
*Before you start planting double check the root depth of your plants, especially if you are putting your raised bed on cement or gravel areas. If you need more soil you can always increase the height of the bed. Some deep rooters are; sweet potatoes, tomatoes and winter squash. Lettuce, celery and broccoli are shallow rooters.
*Don’t forget to check the height that the plants will grow when arranging the plants. You don’t want the tall plants to shade the shorter plants.
Hint: Rounding, which involves adding more soil to make a small hill, gives you more space for the plant beds. The extra area you get by doing this can give you a lot more square feet and increase your yield.